Applying for Student Visa

Before you apply

Australia is a great place to study. It provides high-quality courses, a fantastic lifestyle and a welcoming environment for international students. Once you have been accepted into your Australian course, the next step is to organize your student visa

Before you apply for an Australian course, you should contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) or your nearest Australian visa office to find out whether you will be eligible for a student visa, how to make your application and what documents are required

General and evidentiary student visa requirements

There are various general and evidentiary requirements that international students must meet in order to be eligible for a student visa. These include requirements relating to:

  • Your health
  • Your character
  • Overseas student health cover (ohsc)
  • Being free of debts to the commonwealth of Australia
  • Custody, accommodation and general welfare arrangements for students under 18 years of age
  • Your capacity to cover the cost of air fares, course tuition fees and living costs for you and your family members for the duration of your stay in australia (the minimum living cost requirement is aud$19,830 per year)
  • Your academic record and qualifications completed
  • Your English language proficiency
  • Proving that you are a genuine temporary entrant

Applying for a student visa

You need a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your education provider to apply for your student visa. Letters of offer are no longer accepted, even at the application stage. Applications are typically lodged online, although you may be able to apply by post or in person at your designated Australian visa office. The amount of evidence you are required to provide with your application will depend on your country of origin and intended education provider. You can use the document checklist tool on the DIBP website for an indication of the evidence you will need to submit

The best way to find out your specific visa requirements is to visit the DIBP website. You can also contact an education agent, your nearest Australian visa office or the international office at your intended Australian institution for advice and help with your visa application

Course packaging

Students can apply for two or more courses on the same student visa when there is clear progression from one course to the next. The final course a student undertakes is classified as their main (or principal) course of study and is used to determine evidentiary requirements

Fees and charges

A non-refundable base application charge of approximately AUD$575 applies to most visa applications. Applicants who are bringing eligible family members to live with them in Australia while they study should note that an additional applicant charge applies for each additional family member included in a combined visa application. This charge is added to the base application charge and varies according to the age of the additional applicant(s). In addition, there may be other expenses associated with your visa application, such as costs for medical examinations, police checks and the translation of documents into English (if required). For more information, see the Fees and Charges section of the DIBP website

Help with your visa requirements

The best way to find out your specific visa requirements is to visit the DIBP website or your nearest Australian visa office. You can also contact an education agent like us or the international office at your intended Australian education provider for advice and help with your visa application